Bits and Bobs: The Wallace Collection in Marylebone

Friday, January 24, 2020

The Wallace Collection in Marylebone

24 January, 2020:

Some days ago, Eddie took me to see the Dennis Severs' house in Spitalfields. Neither of us knew what to expect. A man emerged from the front door and announced that the house was best experienced in silence, that no photographs were allowed, and that there was no information inside to explain what we'd be viewing. He then added that the entry fee was cash only, of which we had none. That's when Fiona from Marylebone, who was standing directly behind us in queue, insisted on paying our fee. Fiona recommended approaching the exploration of the Severs' house as an opportunity to "enter inside a painting." It was indeed an immersive experience. We later repaid Fiona and she shared some of her favorite places in London to see. The Wallace Collection was one.

The Wallace Collection of art, inside Hertford House on Manchester Square, is free to enter. The collection is of fine and decorative arts from the 15th to the 19th century, with important holdings of French 18th century paintings, furniture, arms and armour, porcelain and "Old Master" paintings.

Hertford House was the London home of Sir Richard Wallace (son of the 4th Marquess of Hertford) until his death in 1890. Lady Wallace, Richard's widow, remained in the house until her death in 1897 at which time it was bequeathed to the state. It opened as a museum in 1900 to display the many objects of art they had accumulated throughout their lives.

There is an abundance of art in the rococo style to be found in this grand house. Rococo is an art form which flourished under Louis XV and Madame de Pompadour during the mid to late 1700s. It comes from the French, meaning rocky ground or loose stones. The style explores symmetrical natural shapes wih fountain imagery, foliage and flowers, swirling scrolls and sea animals. The collection also includes several personal effects and furniture once owned by Marie Antoinette.